So...you follks who don't eat McD's...what do you do at 3am when you're hammered and starving? There was only one allusion to this on the previous page: if Starbucks is worried about McCafes, it ain't because of the quality of the coffee. And yes, people hold business meetings and sit around and work in McCafes. They're no more soulless than the average Starbucks. Tom

So...you follks who don't eat McD's...what do you do at 3am when you're hammered and starving?

There was only one allusion to this on the previous page: if Starbucks is worried about McCafes, it ain't because of the quality of the coffee. And yes, people hold business meetings and sit around and work in McCafes. They're no more soulless than the average Starbucks.

I'd have said Minnie's But they are closed cause they didn't pay their taxes. Theres 13 Coins, which has lost much of its Noirish appeal after the smoking ban. The Hurricane, which has lost much of its appeal after the 90's...

and for everyone else out there in the world outside Seattle, there's always Denny's!

I don't think that Starbucks is being challenged by McDonalds. It is more that they are having to face the reality that their days of unbridled growth and undying public affection are at an end. Now they have to justify themselves to consumers so you will see more advertising, more "specials" and probably more "feel good" tie ins with their stores and products. However, the fact remains that they have a ton of convenient locations that are an ideal place to meet others and surf. I don't see that changing. And, as long as those cute girls keep hanging out at my local 'bucks I'll continue to stop in and "read the paper".

I disagree for two reasons. 1) the lighting at any Macs is glaring and awful. Starbucks usually has it right. 2) Starbucks smells better. I LOVE McDonalds french fries and some of their salads but the places have a bit of a greasy smell. I always get my food to go.

I patronize Starbucks when I have no option. If there's a locally owned coffee shop nearby, I'd rather go there. But if there's not, c'est la vie.

As far as Starbucks goes, I like the chai tea misto. Made with chai tea bags, so it's much closer to real chai than the sugary-sweet "chai latte." Half the price, too. It's revealing that SB doesn't even list it on many of their menu signs.